Vancouver, BC •• •• +1 403 400 5755
Book a Consultation
Book a Consultation

In Canada

Can I Work While My Work Permit Extension Is Processing?

· Reviewed by Tamara Bulantseva, RCIC

If IRCC received your work permit extension before your current permit expired, you may have maintained status and can usually keep working under the same conditions until a decision is made. If you applied after expiry, you generally cannot work until status is restored and a new work permit is issued. A draft application is not enough—what matters is IRCC’s receipt date.

Quick reference

Filed before expiryUsually can keep working under original conditions
Filed after expiryDo not work until restored / re-authorized
ConditionsOriginal permit conditions still apply
Proof for employersKeep IRCC submission receipt

Overview

The short answer depends on one date comparison: did IRCC receive your work permit extension before the permit expired? If yes, maintained status may let you keep working under original conditions. If no, stop working and look at restoration.

Common situations

Extension submitted weeks before expiry

You can usually keep working under original conditions while waiting. Keep your IRCC receipt handy for HR.

Permit expired yesterday; I filed today

This is generally not maintained status for work authorization. Do not work. See Restore Worker Status.

I am waiting on a new employer-specific permit

Maintained status usually continues only the old conditions. Starting the new employer early is a separate risk. See Change Employer on a Work Permit.

My employer asks for “implied status” wording

IRCC now uses maintained status. Provide the receipt date and explain that you applied before expiry and remain under original conditions until a decision.

The date test

  1. Expiry date on the work permit
  2. Date IRCC received your application

Only if (2) is before (1) should you assume continued work under maintained status.

What “under original conditions” means

  • same employer if the permit was employer-specific
  • same occupation / location limits if listed
  • same open-permit conditions if you hold an open permit
  • no expansion of rights just because a new application is pending

When you must stop working

Stop working if:

  • IRCC received the application after expiry
  • you never submitted (draft only)
  • your application was refused and you have no other authorization
  • you left the old closed-permit job and have no authorization for a new one

What this means in practice

  • Send HR a clear package: current/expired permit + IRCC submission confirmation.
  • Do not invent “bridging” work for a new closed-permit employer.
  • Track the IRCC decision date; authorization ends when maintained status ends without a new permit.
  • Travel is a separate issue from work authorization inside Canada.

When to get help

Get help if HR challenges your authorization, your receipt timing is ambiguous, you changed employers mid-wait, or you may have filed after expiry.

Need a clear yes/no for your employer?

Tamara can review your permit expiry date and IRCC receipt so you know whether continued work is authorized.

Book a Consultation

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

  • Confirmed the expiry date on your work permit
  • Confirmed IRCC received the extension before that date
  • Saved submission confirmation and fee receipt for your employer
  • Reviewed original permit conditions (employer, occupation, location)
  • Stopped working if you filed after expiry or lost status
  • Checked travel plans separately from work authorization

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep working after my permit expires if I applied on time?
Usually yes, under maintained status, if IRCC received your extension before expiry. You remain bound by the conditions of the original permit until IRCC decides.
What if I applied one day late?
Late filing generally means loss of status. Do not work. See restoration guidance and the expired-permit guide.
Do original employer conditions still apply?
Yes. Maintained status does not expand your authorization. Closed-permit workers typically stay with the named employer and conditions.
Is an IRCC fee receipt enough for my employer?
Employers often ask for the submission confirmation showing the application was received before expiry, plus your current (or expired) permit. Policies vary by employer.
Can I start a new job while waiting?
Not if your original authorization was employer-specific to a different employer. See the change-employer guide.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

References

  1. Temporary residents: Maintained status
  2. Extend your work permit or change conditions
  3. Help Centre answer 492
  4. Restore your status

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Unsure if you can keep working?

Book a consultation to confirm authorization while your extension is pending.

Book a Consultation View PGWP services